Department for Transport

East Coast Railway Line: Repairs and Maintenance

baroness mcintosh of pickering: To ask Her Majesty’s Government, in the light of disruption to services on the East Coast mainline, what recent discussions they have held with Network Rail on its maintenance programme; and when the existing overhead electric wires will be replaced.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: Whilst the maintenance and renewal of rail infrastructure, including the overhead electricity supply, is a matter for Network Rail overseen by the independent regulator, the Office of Rail and Road, we have regular discussions with Network Rail throughout the year regarding their performance. Future plans for renewal of overhead lines on this route will be set out in Network Rail’s Strategic Business Plan later this year.

Shipping: Registration

lord mackenzie of culkein: To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether there has been a recent review into regulations governing ship registration with a view to increasing the number of ships on the UK shipping register; and if so, what was the outcome.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: The UK Ship Register (UKSR) Advisory Panel Report, issued in May 2015, recommended that government review the regulations on the registration of ships under the UK Flag to identify changes which will attract ships to the UK Flag, without reducing standards. An amending Statutory Instrument is currently in preparation to redefine the meaning of an “original document”, clarifying where hard copies of documents must be submitted to allow registration. This aims to improve efficiency within the registration process and enable the introduction of online registration. Further opportunities to improve legislation in relation to ship registration will be considered as part the wider UKSR transformation programme. However, no proposals have yet been developed.

Shipping: Surveillance

lord mackenzie of culkein: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what research is being undertaken to find improved methods, for example the use of radar and optical satellites, to track and monitor merchant and fishing vessels which switch off their Automatic Identification System signals.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: Other than the Channel Navigation Information Service, that monitors ships movements in the Dover Strait, Her Majesty’s Coastguard does not actively monitor all vessel movements around the United Kingdom’s coastal waters. Her Majesty’s Coastguard has recently supported law enforcement authorities in identifying anomalous vessel movements specifically in the Dover Strait by trialling a new radar system that can identify movements for those vessels that are not transmitting an Automatic Identification System (AIS) signal or have a legal requirement to have AIS device fitted. The trial was an operational success and it is hoped to expand this specific capability in to other maritime areas that intelligence suggests criminal activity is taking place.

Shipping: Surveillance

lord mackenzie of culkein: To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many vessels have been examined in UK ports where there is suspicion of illegal activity by reason of (1) their Automatic Identification System signals being switched off, or (2) without good reason, those signals not being transmitted in line with the International Maritime Organisation SOLAS convention, during some part of their voyage to a UK port.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: Her Majesty’s Coastguard monitors vessel movements within the UK’s search and rescue region to ensure maritime safety. HM Coastguard has not requested for any vessel to be examined at a UK port because of an absence of an Automatic Identification System signal because of a suspicion of illegal activity.

East Suffolk Railway Line

lord bradshaw: To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon on 14 March (HL5764), whether they would look favourably on a proposal to use a high quality rail replacement bus service in place of a passenger train at less busy times on the rail line between Ipswich and Felixstowe if it were to be brought forward by the operator and Network Rail.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: If a proposal were to be brought forward by the train operator and Network Rail, we would consider it carefully. No proposal has however been submitted. The specification and provision of rail replacement services is a commercial and operational matter for the operator and Network Rail, not the Government.

East Coast Railway Line

lord bradshaw: To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon on 16 March (HL5882), in the light of the very heavy use that is made of the East Coast Main Line and the fragility of the infrastructure, whether they consider that four per cent of the enhancement spend in Control Period 6 is adequate to sustain this railway line.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: This government set out ambitious outcomes for the East Coast Main Line as part of the 2012 High Level Output Specification. The East Coast Main Line infrastructure enhancements will enable capacity for an additional 2 additional trains per hour between Kings Cross and Doncaster and an additional train per hour between York and Newcastle. The enhancements also enable the introduction of the new Intercity Express Programme trains which will increase reliability, seating capacity and reduce journey times, allowing the fastest services to achieve 4 hours from London to Edinburgh and 2 hours from London to Leeds. The first of these enhancements, the opening of a new platform at Doncaster, has already been delivered.

Department for Communities and Local Government

Non-domestic Rates

lord beecham: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what estimate they have made of the cost to (1) the NHS, and (2) schools, of increases in business rates following revaluation.

lord bourne of aberystwyth: The effect of the revaluation of business rates on schools and NHS bodies will depend on the specific circumstances and location of the relevant property. A £3.6 billion transitional relief scheme will provide support for the minority of properties which face an increase in rates as a result of the 2017 revaluation, and applies equally to public bodies such as the NHS and to schools.

Public Sector: Contracts for Services

lord campbell-savours: To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will establish an inquiry (1) into which local authorities and other public authorities within England have sub-contracted service provision to contractors whose operations for the provision of those services are located in Scotland, and (2) into the cost of the contracted services provided.

lord bourne of aberystwyth: The Government does not have any plans to establish an inquiry into the matter of which local authorities and other public authorities within England have sub-contracted service provision to contractors whose operations for the provision of those services are located in Scotland, or into the matter of the cost of the contracted services provided.As locally-elected, independent bodies, such matters are for the local authorities themselves to manage. As a matter of course, all local authorities and other public authorities should ensure that they are providing the highest quality services, which local residents expect and deserve.

Social Rented Housing

lord beecham: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the reduction in social housing rents on the maintenance and improvement of the existing housing stock, and on the building of new houses between now and 2022.

lord bourne of aberystwyth: The fiscal impact of the social rent reduction policy on public finances was included as part of the Office for Budget Responsibility’s policy costings for Budget 2015 which can be (attached) found at https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/443195/Policy_costings_summer_budget_2015.pdf on page 53In September 2015 the Department for Communities and Local Government carried out an impact assessment of the effect of the social rent reduction policy on housing associations which can be (attached) found at http://www.parliament.uk/documents/impact-assessments/IA15-006F.pdf on page 4.Social housing providers are well placed to manage these reductions and have proved themselves to be more than capable of adapting and responding to change. The Government is investing £7.1 billion in the expanded Affordable Homes Programme from 2016-21, which will support housing associations and local authorities to build another 225,000 affordable homes by March 2021.



Summer Budget 2015
(PDF Document, 1.11 MB)




Impact assessments
(PDF Document, 63.81 KB)

Communities and Local Government: Assets

lord kennedy of southwark: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what land or buildings owned by, leased by, or under the control of, the Department for Communities and Local Government they are seeking to dispose of, and for what purposes.

lord bourne of aberystwyth: The Government has made a commitment to release surplus government owned property with capacity of at least 160,000 homes and raising at least £5 billion from land and property disposals by 2020. Details of the government land and property released over the previous financial year will be published as part of the Transparency Review in summer 2017.Our estate is comprised of administrative offices and other land holdings and we continue to keep the Department and Communities and Local Government (DCLG) estate under review to ensure that it meets the needs of the business. In line with central guidance, surplus property is first offered to other departments for reuse, free schools, or transfer to the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) for much needed new homes or development. It is then offered to the open market. Leasehold properties are also exited via lease break options and lease expiry opportunities.During 2015/16 the DCLG and HCA disposed of 158 sites worth over £122 million.

Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy

Consumers: Protection

baroness hayter of kentish town: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what work they are undertaking to ensure that UK consumers retain the consumer protections they are afforded as EU citizens, when the UK exits the EU.

baroness hayter of kentish town: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what consideration they have given to transposing current EU consumer protection legislation into UK law, when the UK exits the EU.

lord prior of brampton: Through the Great Repeal Bill the Government's general approach is that the same rules and laws will apply on the day after exit as they did before, until Parliament decides otherwise after proper parliamentary scrutiny.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

North Korea: Assassination

lord alton of liverpool: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of reports that North Korea has issued orders to assassinate a British businessman who helped to facilitate the defection of North Korea's then deputy ambassador to London.

baroness anelay of st johns: Any credible threat to the safety of a British national or a resident of the UK is matter for the relevant police authority to investigate.

North Korea: Human Rights

lord alton of liverpool: To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they intend to introduce human rights sanctions against North Korea, in line with those imposed by the United States.

baroness anelay of st johns: As I set out in written question HL2194, we will always carefully consider the impact and benefits of sanctions measures before they are imposed. These considerations include our ability to defend the legality of the sanctions should they be challenged under EU law and the likelihood of achieving our objectives of stability on the Korean peninsula and improved human rights for North Koreans.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office: Assets

lord kennedy of southwark: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what land or buildings owned by, leased by, or under the control of, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office they are seeking to dispose of, and for what purposes.

baroness anelay of st johns: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) constantly reviews its global estate in the light of changing operational needs in order to optimise its use and ensure it remains safe, secure, fit for purpose and value for money. As a consequence, the FCO regularly acquires and disposes of property assets. In order to maximise the price received for the sale of our assets and keep our negotiations with landlords confidential, it is not our policy to release details of our disposals programme in advance.

Ministry of Justice

Ministry of Justice: Assets

lord kennedy of southwark: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what land or buildings owned by, leased by, or under the control of, the Ministry of Justice they are seeking to dispose of, and for what purposes.

lord keen of elie: The Department’s estate is comprised of a wide range of premises, including prisons, courts, probation premises, administrative offices and other land holdings. The Ministry of Justice keeps its estate under review to ensure that it meets the needs of the business. In line with central guidance, surplus property is generally first offered to other departments for reuse, free schools, or transfer to the Homes and Communities Agency for much needed new homes or development. It is then offered to the open market. Leasehold properties are also exited via lease break options and lease expiry opportunities.

Offenders: New Businesses

lord watts: To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Keen of Elie on 8 March (HL5604), how many ex-prisoners have undertaken enterprise courses.

lord keen of elie: This information is not held centrally and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

Probate: Fees and Charges

lord myners: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what was the rationale behind the new rates for grant of probate announced in the budget.

lord keen of elie: The Government set out its rationale for reforming the fees for grants of probate in its response to consultation on the fees published on Friday 24 February. The Government is committed to providing a modern, world-leading justice system which is proportionate and accessible. The best way to protect access to justice is with a properly funded courts and tribunals service. Fees are necessary to support an effective courts and tribunals system that supports victims and vulnerable people, and is easy for ordinary people to use. In 2015/16, the Government spent around £1.9 billion on our courts and tribunals and recovered only around £700m through fees and other income. We do not believe that the taxpayer should continue to meet all of this cost. A key change will be the threshold under which no fee is payable increasing from £5,000 to £50,000. More than half of estates in England and Wales will pay no probate fees. The fees will be implemented on a banded structure, increasing in line with estate values, meaning higher fees are paid by those who can afford to do so. Over 90 per cent of estates will pay £1,000 or less for this service and no one will pay more than 1 per cent of the total estate in fees.

Department for Culture, Media and Sport

Toys and Games

lord harris of haringey: To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Price on 6 March (HL5447), what assessment they have made of concerns for child security and privacy presented by the marketing of My Friend Cayla dolls in the UK.

lord ashton of hyde: The Government is aware of reports that some internet-connected children’s toys potentially pose a risk in terms of cybersecurity. As with all internet connected devices, the quality of these products varies. The cyber security of the UK is a top priority for the Government. Manufacturers of internet-connected devices should ensure those devices have appropriate security measures built in and seek to ensure emerging technologies are secure by default. Where internet-connected products are collecting personal data, organisations that process that personal data in the UK must comply Data Protection Act’s (DPA) eight data protection principles. These include requiring personal data to be processed fairly and lawfully; to be accurate and up-to-date; not to be kept for longer than is necessary; and to be processed in accordance with the rights of the data subjects under the DPA. Failure to comply with the Act is an offence. Further information about these obligations can be found on the ICO’s website at: https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/guide-to-data-protection/

Social Enterprises: Offenders

lord watts: To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Buscombe on 9 March (HL5605), whether they will clarify whether their commitment to social enterprises includes social enterprises which support or employ ex-prisoners.

lord ashton of hyde: Social enterprises play an important role in the government’s mission of building an economy that works for everyone and we recognise the value of social enterprises in helping offenders find employment. The government is building on its role as a world leader in social enterprise by championing procurement for social value, supporting social enterprise awareness campaigns, building the social investment market, using social enterprises to address issues at scale and expanding social investment tax relief. Social enterprises employing or supporting ex-prisoners, or indeed anyone with a disadvantage that makes it difficult for them to access the job market, are included in the government’s social enterprise support set out above.

Internet

baroness eaton: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had with the charity sector regarding concerns raised by charities about trends towards making government and business services available online only.

lord ashton of hyde: The government is focused on making services available to citizens in the most effective ways, including using digital technologies. We work closely with the charity sector to understand and meet the challenges of a rapidly changing digital landscape.  The government recognises its duty to provide for all, and if people cannot use or access the Internet, it will not be a barrier to them accessing government services. The Government will always ensure assistance is available to people who need it, be it over the phone, face to face, or via webchat.

Data Protection: EU Law

baroness hayter of kentish town: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what estimate they have made of the number of EU regulations governing data protection that are not capable of being incorporated into UK law by Order, and which therefore must be enacted by primary legislation.

lord ashton of hyde: The Government is still assessing the best legislative approach to incorporating the GDPR into UK law. We will make an announcement in due course.

Data Protection: EU Law

baroness hayter of kentish town: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the capability of UK businesses to comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (EU) 2016/679 by May 2018, and of the level of awareness of that Regulation.

lord ashton of hyde: The Department for Culture, Media and Sport is working closely with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) during this transitional period. The ICO is responsible for providing guidance and advice to individuals and organisations on, amongst other things, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The ICO has issued the attached guidance on its website on how best business prepare for the GDPR. (This is available at: https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/data-protection-reform/guidance-what-to-expect-and-when/)



Preparing for the 12 Steps 
(PDF Document, 393.53 KB)

Data Protection: EU Law

baroness hayter of kentish town: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to enact new primary legislation to ensure that the UK is in the best position to maintain international data flows with the EU, following the UK's withdrawal from the EU.

lord ashton of hyde: As part of plans for the UK’s exit from the EU, we will consider carefully how best to maintain our continued ability to share, receive and protect EU data with other EU member states. The UK is keen to ensure that data flows with the EU are not interrupted after the UK leaves the EU. The Government is considering all the options on the most beneficial way of ensuring that the UK’s data protection regime continues to build a culture of data confidence and trust, that safeguards citizens and supports business in a global economy.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Sewage: Water Treatment

lord berkeley: To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Gardiner of Kimble on 10 March (HL5599) stating that they have not yet taken a decision as to the timing of any review of the waste water National Policy Statement, when they will make that decision; and whether they expect to undertake such a review within the next five years.

lord gardiner of kimble: The 2012 National Policy Statement (NPS) for Waste Water states that a review can be expected approximately every five years. A decision will be taken this year on whether a review of the NPS is necessary at this point in time, in line with the provisions of Section 6 of the Planning Act 2008. These provisions include consideration of whether there has been a significant change in circumstances on the basis of which the NPS was decided and whether this would have a material impact on the policy itself.

National Parks

lord judd: To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will refer to the National Parks in their 25-year plan for the environment; and whether this plan will set out arrangements for the National Parks' long-term protection and enhancement.

lord gardiner of kimble: Our environment is enormously valuable and we have long-standing protections for our most precious landscapes through our network of national parks. We are committed to the goal of being the first generation to leave the natural environment of England in a better state than that in which we found it and we will publish a 25 year environment to deliver this ambition. The plan has not yet been written but it is a manifesto commitment to publish in the course of this parliament and we will engage with interested stakeholders, including national parks, to help inform its development. We have an 8-Point Plan for England’s National Parks, launched on 23 March 2016. It sets out our priorities for improving National Parks in England over the period from 2016 until 2020.

National Parks

lord judd: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the high level of planning protection afforded to National Parks, and the specific responsibilities and duties that apply to development decisions both within the Parks and their adjacent settings; and whether this will be reflected in the new 25-year plan for the environment.

lord gardiner of kimble: The National Planning Policy Framework is clear on the protections in place for national parks. We would only expect to see major development in exceptional circumstances. Our environment is enormously valuable, and we have long-standing protections for our most precious landscapes through our network of national parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty. On 23 March 2016, we launched an 8-Point Plan for England’s National Parks. It sets out our priorities for improving National Parks in England over the period from 2016 until 2020. We are committed to the goal of being the first generation to leave the natural environment of England in a better state than that in which we found it and we will publish a 25 year environment plan to deliver this ambition. The plan has not yet been written but it is a manifesto commitment to publish in the course of this Parliament and we will engage with interested stakeholders, including national parks, to help inform its development.

Home Office

Free Movement of People

baroness lister of burtersett: To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Williams of Trafford on 28 February (HL5522), whether they intend to remove from the UK those EU citizens who are residing in the UK otherwise than in accordance with the Free Movement Directive.

baroness williams of trafford: Under EU law, EU nationals who wish to stay in the UK for longer than three months can only do so if they are exercising a Treaty right. This means that they must be a jobseeker, worker, self-employed, self-sufficient or a student. The Free Movement Directive (2004/38/EC) requires students and self-sufficient persons to have comprehensive sickness insurance and sufficient resources to support themselves and their families to not become a burden on the UK’s social assistance system.At present the UK remains in the EU, and as such, EU nationals continue to be subject to the rights and responsibilities set out in existing legislation which governs the exercise of free movement in the UK. EU nationals that do not meet the requirements of the Free Movement Directive are not lawfully resident in the UK and may be liable to removal.However, because it is relatively straight forward to rectify and establish a right to reside in the UK, longstanding Home Office practice is not to seek the removal of EU nationals solely because they do not have comprehensive sickness insurance but have otherwise met the requirements under EU law.

Fly-tipping

lord blencathra: To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will ask the National Crime Agency to investigate large-scale fly tipping gangs.

baroness williams of trafford: The NCA is accountable to the Home Secretary and through the Home Secretary, to Parliament, but it is operationally independent. The Home Secretary sets the NCA’s strategic priorities and holds the Director General to account for the discharge of NCA functions. Within that framework, the Director General sets the NCA’s operational priorities.The DG NCA has the power and responsibility to direct the NCA, including deciding which operations the NCA should run against which organised crime groups and threats and how those operations should be conducted.

Immigration

lord roberts of llandudno: To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many further leave to remain applications, made on the basis of (1) family, and (2) private, life were made in each year since 2014.

baroness williams of trafford: Data on UK Visas and Immigration temporary and permanent migration activities including In-Country Work In Progress Casework, and Percentage of Temporary and Permanent Migration in-country visa applications for each Route, processed within Service Standards, is published on the .GOV.UK website. The relevant Routes are ‘Spouse/Partner’ and ‘HR/Complex Case’ as indicated on worksheet InC_01 and InC_01a.https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/migration-transparency-dataThe relevant tables are also attached to this answer.



2014 figures
(Excel SpreadSheet, 29.66 KB)




2015 figures
(Excel SpreadSheet, 38.02 KB)




2016 figures
(Excel SpreadSheet, 40.81 KB)

Immigration

lord roberts of llandudno: To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many further leave to remain applications made on the basis of (1) family, and (2) private, life were determined within usual Home Office service standards in each year since 2013.

baroness williams of trafford: Data on UK Visas and Immigration temporary and permanent migration activities including In-Country Work In Progress Casework, and Percentage of Temporary and Permanent Migration in-country visa applications for each Route, processed within Service Standards, is published on the .GOV.UK website. The relevant Routes are ‘Spouse/Partner’ as indicated on worksheet InC_02.https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/migration-transparency-data



2014 figures
(Excel SpreadSheet, 29.66 KB)




2015 figures
(Excel SpreadSheet, 38.02 KB)




2016 figures
(Excel SpreadSheet, 40.81 KB)

Immigration

lord roberts of llandudno: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what was the average length of time taken to determine an initial further leave to remain application made on the basis of (1) family, and (2) private, life in (a) 2015, and (b) 2016.

baroness williams of trafford: Data on UK Visas and Immigration temporary and permanent migration activities including In-Country Work In Progress Casework, and Percentage of Temporary and Permanent Migration in-country visa applications for each Route, processed within Service Standards, is published on the .GOV.UK website. In this instance the data provided on worksheet InC_05 gives an overall picture across Temporary and Permanent Migration and is not determined by Route.https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/migration-transparency-dataThe relevant tables are also attached to this answer.



2014 figures
(Excel SpreadSheet, 29.66 KB)




2015 figures
(Excel SpreadSheet, 38.02 KB)




2016 figures
(Excel SpreadSheet, 40.81 KB)

Immigration

lord roberts of llandudno: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what was the average length of time taken to determine a second or subsequent further leave to remain application made on the basis of (1) family, and (2) private, life in (a) 2015, and (b) 2016.

baroness williams of trafford: Home Office Systems cannot be interrogated in a way that will provide any meaningful response to the question. A manual review of all applications submitted within the stipulated timeframe would be needed in order to provide an accurate response and this would incur a disproportionate cost to the public purse.Therefore, the average length of time taken to determine a second or subsequent further leave to remain application made on the basis of (1) family, and (2) private, life in (a) 2015, and (b) 2016 cannot be provided.The versions for previous years are available here:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/temporary-and-permanent-migration-data-november-2014https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/temporary-and-permanent-migration-data-february-2015https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/temporary-and-permanent-migration-data-november-2016These tables have also been attached to this answer.



2014 data
(Excel SpreadSheet, 29.66 KB)




2015 data
(Excel SpreadSheet, 38.02 KB)




2016 data
(Excel SpreadSheet, 40.81 KB)

Ministry of Defence

World War II: Wrecks

lord west of spithead: To ask Her Majesty’s Government which government department is dealing with the illegal salvaging of UK and other nations’ ships and submarines lost in Far Eastern Waters in WW2.

lord west of spithead: To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the war graves of HMS Prince of Wales and Repulse have had most of their after sections destroyed and removed.

earl howe: The Ministry of Defence works closely with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office when there is evidence of illegal salvage of our vessels overseas. The Government is aware of the illegal removal of material from the wrecks of HMS PRINCE OF WALES and HMS REPULSE. We strongly condemn any desecration of any site of maritime military remains. By invoking the principle of Sovereign Immunity, and by designating specific vessels under the Protection of Wrecks Act 1973 and the Protection of Maritime Remains Act 1986, we endeavour to protect these important sites where we are able.Where we have evidence of desecration of the wrecks of Royal Navy vessels, we will take appropriate action, including working with regional Governments and partners to prevent inappropriate activity at such sites. It should be appreciated however, given that Royal Navy wrecks are spread throughout vast locations around the world, that there are limitations on what protection we can provide.

HM Treasury

National Infrastructure Commission

lord berkeley: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their policy on whether members of the House of Lords who vote against the Government may continue to act as members of the Board of the National Infrastructure Commission.

baroness neville-rolfe: The responsibilities of Commissioners on the National Infrastructure Commission are set out in their Framework Document [[1]]. These include complying with the Code of Conduct for Board Members of Public bodies [[2]]. The Framework Document does not include specific guidance on political activity. [1] https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/585374/NIC_framework_document_web.pdf[2] https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/409604/code-of-conduct_tcm6-38901.pdf

Royal Parks: VAT

lord stevenson of balmacara: To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether VAT will be charged on money paid by HM Government to the Royal Parks charity; whether VAT is payable in full by the Royal Parks to HM Revenue and Customs in respect of services it provides to the HM Government; whether VAT will be chargeable and payable to HM Revenue and Customs on goods and services, such as catering, provided by the Royal Parks charity to others, including the general public, on the same terms as apply to other providers of goods and services; and whether other arrangements for VAT, not covered by those indicated above, will apply to the Royal Parks charity, for example on the purchase of services supplied by others, including in respect of maintenance and repairs of assets.

baroness neville-rolfe: Whilst it is not possible to comment on the affairs of individual taxpayers, the general rule is that VAT is due to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) on taxable supplies made by VAT registered persons, including charities. This is the case whether the supplies are made to HM Government or to others. In turn suppliers can normally recover, from HMRC, the VAT they pay on their costs.

Individual Savings Accounts

lord campbell-savours: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what estimate they have made of (1) the total value of UK ISA investment funds for the last year for which figures are available, and (2) the total amount invested in those funds since ISAs were established.

baroness neville-rolfe: The market value of ISA and Personal Equity Plans (PEP) Stocks and Shares Funds as at 5 April 2016 was £267 billion. The market value of Cash ISAs as at 5 April 2016 was £251 billion. The amounts subscribed into ISAs in the years since 1999-2000 are set out in HM Revenue and Customs’ published ISA statistics. The relevant section of Table 9.4 is attached.[1] [1] https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/547217/Full_Statistics_Release_August_2016.pdf 



attachment to HL6119
(PDF Document, 40.49 KB)

Department for Exiting the European Union

EU Action: Parliamentary Scrutiny

lord boswell of aynho: To ask Her Majesty’s Government, for each Government department, from July to December 2016, on how many occasions a scrutiny reserve resolution in (1) the House of Lords, and (2) the House of Commons, was overridden; and in respect of how many documents an override occurred in (a) both Houses, or (b) either House.

lord bridges of headley: Between July and December 2016, 557 Explanatory Memoranda on EU documents were submitted for scrutiny.Across both Houses there were 33 occasions when the Government supported decisions in the EU Council of Ministers before the scrutiny procedures had been completed by either one or both Scrutiny Committees.In each case the Government explained to the Scrutiny Committees why it was important for the proposal to be supported before clearance had been provided. As with previous six-monthly periods, the largest category of instrument were fast-moving and sensitive EU restrictive measures where there were 22 such instruments (67% of the total number) adopted before scrutiny could be completed.The figures requested are set out below:Department(1). House of Lords Override(2). House of Commons override(1). No. of overrides in both Houses(2). Total no. of overridesBusiness, Energy and Industrial Strategy0101Culture, Media and Sport1212Environment, Food and Rural Affairs1212Foreign and Commonwealth Office*2226*2226HM Treasury**1111International Trade0101Totals25332533 * In addition to the formal overrides listed here, there were 40 occasions when Council Decisions were adopted prior to scrutiny by the House of Commons European Scrutiny Committee due to their limite marking (ie internal EU limited distribution marking for content not intended to be in the public domain).** An override on the Proposal for a Council Directive laying down rules against tax avoidance practices that directly affect the functioning of the internal market, was identified to have occurred at the 27 June 2016 ECOFIN, after the answer had been published for the override figures for January-June 2016 (HL 1405).

Department of Health

Abortion

baroness tonge: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their assessment of the number of medical doctors who need to be trained in abortion care each year, to ensure the availability of safe care for all women needing this service.

lord o'shaughnessy: No assessment has currently been made centrally of the number of medical doctors who need to be trained in abortion care each year. The President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists has initiated a programme of work to increase the number of doctors trained to provide abortion treatment and care and is working with the Department and other national organisations.

Abortion

baroness tonge: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that women needing an abortion can afford the travel costs necessary to access services offered by independent abortion providers.

lord o'shaughnessy: Normally abortion provision is specifically commissioned ‎to provide a service within a local area. When care is not available locally, such as in later gestations or for women with more complex needs, the commissioning organisation will meet the costs of travel. Where women face particular hardship, most independent providers will provide support with travel costs as they consider this part of their charitable remit.

Mesothelioma

lord wills: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what estimate they have made of the cost to the NHS of treating mesothelioma in each of the last 10 years.

lord o'shaughnessy: The information requested is not held national level.

NHS: Negligence

lord freyberg: To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord O’Shaughnessy on 13 March (HL5763), for which major disease burdens or procedures disease-level analysis is possible; and whether such disease-level analysis has been undertaken in the last 10 years.

lord o'shaughnessy: The term ‘disease burdens’ is a term not recognised by the National Health Service Litigation Authority (NHS LA) in undertaking analysis of claims. The NHS LA claims management system records the cause of an incident notified as part of a claim and the injury which is the outcome of the incident. These ‘causes’ and ‘injuries’ form a list of codes on which it is possible to undertake analysis of the claims held in the claims management system. Sometimes the code relates to a group of conditions within a specialty, such as cardiovascular conditions, and therefore it is not always possible to undertake analysis at individual disease or procedure level. It should also be noted that claims can be multi-factoral and/or settled on a number of bases. Due to the large amount of data in relation to the ‘cause’ and ‘injury’ codes used for clinical negligence in the NHS LA claims management system, a list is attached. No disease-level analysis has been undertaken in the last ten years. The NHS LA is able to undertake analysis related to the causes and injuries described on the list attached.  



Cause and injury codes
(Word Document, 35.4 KB)

Care Homes: Fees and Charges

lord lipsey: To ask Her Majesty’s Government, in the light of research from Reform indicating that the number of deferred payments issued by local authorities has not risen since 2012, whether they plan to widen access to the Deferred Payment Scheme by raising the £23,500 means threshold.

lord o'shaughnessy: The Care Act 2014 introduced universal Deferred Payment Agreements (DPAs) so that people should not be forced to sell their homes in their lifetimes to pay for care. The eligibility criteria for DPAs are designed to ensure that they are available to those who would otherwise be at risk of having to sell their homes.The Department is continuing to monitor the success of the scheme, and data on the uptake of DPAs across all local authorities will be available later this year.

Health Services

baroness wheeler: To ask Her Majesty’s Government how NHS England will ensure adherence to national standards, once responsibility for commissioning specialised services is devolved or delegated to clinical commissioning groups.

baroness wheeler: To ask Her Majesty’s Government how NHS England will ensure that levels of data publication on outcomes and costs are maintained, once responsibility for commissioning specialised services is devolved or delegated to clinical commissioning groups.

lord o'shaughnessy: NHS England will continue to remain responsible for specialised services, including when the day-to-day commissioning of those services is delegated to clinical commissioning groups (CCGs). To support CCGs to move to place-based commissioning arrangements for relevant specialised services, NHS England is in the process of developing a framework of options for CCGs, ranging from less formal ‘seat at the table’ type arrangements, to more formal joint arrangements, delegated commissioning, or devolution. Depending on the type of arrangement that is pursued in a given geographical area, there will be different implications for governance arrangements and how reporting and assurance arrangements would operate. NHS England is working through these various implications – including reviewing the existing reporting and assurance arrangements for specialised commissioning and determining whether these may need to change in light of moving to place-based arrangements. This will include exploring the issues set out here around ensuring adherence to national standards and data transparency. NHS England is keen to test and engage with key stakeholders as it develops its framework of options.

Tobacco

lord palmer: To ask Her Majesty’s Government when the contract for the provision of tobacco control legislation enforcement – national support for local authorities, between the Department of Health and ITSA Ltd, ended or will end; how it will be evaluated; whether they intend to extend or re-tender that contract; and if so, what is the timeframe.

lord o'shaughnessy: The current contract for the provision of support to local authorities in the enforcement of tobacco control legislation will end in September 2018. The Chartered Trading Standards Institute, who hold the contract, provide regular updates to the Department on agreed milestones and deliverables and will submit a final report at the end of the contract to aid the Department in its evaluation. No decision has yet been taken on any future agreement to support local authorities in tobacco control.